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Gilles Grimandi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gilles Grimandi (born November 11, 1970 in Gap, France) is a former French footballer.
Grimandi began his professional career signing with AS Monaco in 1990 and making his first-team debut in 1991 against AS Nancy in the French top division. His career briefly interrupted by French military service, he went on to make 90 appearances and score 3 goals for the club, mostly as a center back. He helped the club reach both a UEFA Champions League and a UEFA Cup semifinal and won the league title in 1996-1997. The following season, Grimandi left to join his former manager Arsène Wenger at Arsenal F.C. (debut at Leeds United) and helped achieve the "Double," the English FA Cup and Premiership titles, in his first season. He made 84 league appearances as a midfielder, center-back, and right wingback, winning a second Double in his final season (2001-2002) with the club and becoming a fan favourite.
Grimandi signed with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer in 2003, but left after one pre-season match, effectively retiring. He has remained active in the sport, however, taking his first administrative position in 2004 as football director at ASOA Valence in the French National (third) division, and becoming a France-based scout for Arsenal F.C. after Valence filed for bankruptcy prior to the 2005-06 season. He also took part in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial game at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium in July 2006.